Dispatch

July 10 marks the day for the first free Grand Island Garden Walk. Plans have been underway for months by a committee of 10 dedicated gardeners. Twenty gardens will be open for viewing from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They include a variety of garden styles, plantings and garden decor, ranging from the sophisticated to the whimsical.

The Fourth of July is rapidly approaching, and with it comes the traditional displays of fireworks. The Firemen's Association of the State of New York urges New Yorkers to enjoy a professional fireworks display, rather than attempt to use these dangerous devices themselves.

Erie County Clerk Chris Jacobs will bring a "Thank-A-Vet" outreach event to the Nike Base Community Center, located at 3278 Grand Island Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, to issue discount cards to honorably discharged veterans who file their original DD-214 (discharge papers) with the clerk's office.

Saturday was perfect weather to get out and mow the lawn or watch the greatest spectacle in lawn mowing: the Grand Island Father's Day Lawn Mower Race, held on West River Parkway between Long Road and Sunset Drive.

There weren't many women working at the Erie County District Attorney's Office when First Assistant Donna Milling arrived, but she wasn't deterred. Her hard work and determination helped her rise to the top and, after 29 years, she is being honored with yet another award.

The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning announced 1,097 households participated in the June 18 household hazardous waste collection event at Erie Community College South Campus - the second such collection event held this year.

The Erie County departments of Parks, Recreation and Forestry and Emergency Services, in conjunction with the Chestnut Ridge Conservancy, have announced a day of free family fun happening Saturday, June 25.

Poloncarz said, "The fight against lead in Erie County just got a big shot in the arm with the announcement of these grant funds and accompanying healthy homes funds, and I thank Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand for securing these funds and providing this big boost."

Grand Island business owner Crystal Harding said she loves the location of her 2-year-old business, calling it "homey," which is only natural considering the business is located in the middle of a residential neighborhood.

The committee organizing the annual Grand Island Father's Day Lawn Mower Race and Kevin Doring Memorial 5K Run/Walk meet to plan the event, which will take place Saturday, June 18, on the West River Parkway.

The Erie County Department of Environment and Planning, in cooperation with the Northeast Southtowns Solid Waste Management Board and Erie Community College, are preparing for a household hazardous waste collection event to be held from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, June 18, at the ECC South Campus in Orchard Park.

During Memorial Day ceremonies at DeGlopper Park on Monday, hundreds of Islanders who paid their respects during the town's annual event heard the official unveiling of the DeGlopper Memorial expansion plans.

Natalie Stanczyk, 47, and her daughter Sarah, 22, readily express optimism. Even cancer could not dampen their enthusiasm for living. After Sarah was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, stage 3B, she told her mother, "Don't worry. It's the best cancer to have."

Beginning this year, all sportsman education courses will require students to review course materials and complete a homework sheet prior to attending the classroom and field sessions, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation announced.

The Erie County Department of Real Property Tax Services has announced new information is now available on the department's website to identify the individuals, banks or agencies that have paid the property taxes on any given property in Erie County.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary has announced it has achieved more than 100 percent in membership for the first time since 1993. More than 464,000 male and female members representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and several foreign-based auxiliaries stand united in their support of the nation's veterans, active-duty service members and their families.